Each banknote was required to bear the name of its issuing branch, where it could be redeemed. In some cases the notes also bore the name of the head office of the bank.

The Bank of Ireland was the first bank to issue paper money for circulation exclusively in Ireland. Its first issue was in 1783. Other Joint Stock banks began to be formed around 1824 after changes in legislation, and most of these also received the right to issue paper money. By 1836 there were seven large joint stock banks issuing notes in Ireland.

Examples of notes prior to around 1800 are very rare and are not available for illustration.